CBS expands morning news with a new third hour
A fresh start for morning viewers
Morning-news enthusiasts across the country are in for a treat as CBS News is set to launch a live, third hour of its flagship program, “CBS Mornings,” starting September 30. This new segment, titled “CBS Mornings Plus,” will be co-anchored by Tony Dokoupil and Adriana Diaz. It will air weekdays on CBS-owned stations in Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Detroit, and Miami, and will also be simulcast on CBS News 24/7, CBS News’ free streaming news outlet.
A commitment to quality content
Shawna Thomas, the executive producer of “CBS Mornings” and the new extension, expressed her excitement about the expansion. “This expansion of ‘CBS Mornings’ shows a commitment to the brand, and I’m excited to see what this team can do with another hour of real estate to experiment with,” she said. The new show aims to tackle not only the important news stories of the day but also delve into pop culture, entertainment, health, wellness, and financial news.
The evolving landscape of morning news
The launch of a third hour is an ambitious move, especially considering that many CBS stations and affiliates already air a syndicated half-hour talk show hosted by Drew Barrymore following the end of “CBS Mornings.” However, CBS is not alone in this endeavor. Both NBC and ABC have extended their flagship morning programs, “Today” and “Good Morning America,” respectively. NBC offers additional hours of “Today” that are lighter in tone, while ABC runs a third hour of “GMA” in the early afternoon.
Why expand morning-news hours?
There are several compelling reasons for CBS to expand its morning-news hours. The “CBS Mornings” concept is one that many advertisers recognize, and the news hours are likely cheaper to produce than a talk show, game show, or soap opera. NBC has found success by broadcasting some hours of its NBC News Now live-streaming service in the afternoons for stations that wish to take them in programs packaged as “NBC News Daily.”
Wendy McMahon, president and CEO of CBS News and Stations and CBS Media Ventures, stated, “We are building on the momentum of ‘CBS Mornings’ and giving audiences more of the signature storytelling and differentiated reporting that they have come to expect from CBS News in the mornings.”
Meet the anchors
Tony Dokoupil, who joined CBS News in 2016, has been a co-host of “CBS Mornings” since 2019. He has covered on-the-ground breaking news and conducted a variety of newsmaker interviews. His previous experience includes working for MSNBC, Newsweek, and The Daily Beast.
Adriana Diaz joined CBS News in 2012 and has been the anchor of the Saturday broadcast of “CBS Weekend News.” She is multilingual, speaking Spanish, advanced French, and Mandarin, which adds a unique dimension to her reporting.
The future of morning news
The expansion of “CBS Mornings” into a third hour is a testament to the evolving landscape of morning news. As viewers’ preferences shift and the demand for diverse content grows, CBS is positioning itself to meet these needs. The new hour will provide a platform for more in-depth storytelling and a broader range of topics, ensuring that viewers start their day well-informed and entertained.
For those interested in exploring more about the show and its anchors, you can watch the trailer for CBS Mornings and learn more about the program.
In a world where news consumption is constantly changing, CBS’s decision to expand its morning news offering is a bold and strategic move. It reflects a commitment to providing viewers with high-quality content and staying ahead in the competitive landscape of morning television.